boot question

Is there a difference between Chevelle top boots and Skylark top boots? I just got one today from OPG and it was marked as a Chevelle boot. I don't think there should be a difference though, because they're both A body cars, but this boot doesn't fit like I think it should...when I put it on (connected both snaps on both sides and pulled the plastic strip under the pinchweld molding) the top isn't completely covered right behind the back seat.

 

There should be no difference for boots of the same year, except for the differences in color. Fit should be the same.
Duane

 

Did you slide it in the track behind the rear seat, little grooved piece that holds boot to rear seat?

John

 

Yeah I didn't think there would be a difference...anyway I took some pictures of what I'm dealing with.

I took a picture of my fingertips in a little space between the back seat and the top, is that the area you're talking about? Not sure if I can get the front of the boot in there.

 

There is a thin stainless steel track that is missing from the back of your rear seat top. The top boot has a plastic extrusion that slides into that track and seals the area off.

You need to install the stainless steel track and reinstall the top boot. Then everything will fit fine.
Duane

PS. A name would sure help with knowing who we are talking to.

 

Is there a part number for this steel track you're talking about? I don't recall seeing them in any catalog.

My name is Nick by the way.

 

Nick,
I don't think the steel strips are reproduced. It looks like your seat covers are new, If you just had them put on, could that strip have been left at the upholstery shop?
Duane

 

Nick
Pull the boot completely off, and make absolutely sure the U channel isn't there, size-wise it's not a large piece. After you get the channel (try this sites want ads, a couple of convt are currently being parted out) installed, you work the boot's plastic rib down the U channel. Then go to the back in the center and start out slipping the plastic tabs under the s/s, finishing back to front, with the snaps. Your boot fits best if you put the top down 3/4 of the way and fold the top excess back into the frame...that's the way to make the top go all the way down, so the boot fits correctly. :TU:
Gene

 

Possibly...I'll have to talk to my cousin, the seats were recovered about a month ago at his shop, and about two weeks ago a brand new top was put in at a different shop. When I got the car a year ago it didn't have a boot with it so I never noticed that piece missing. At the very least this car is on its third interior so I wouldn't be surprised if at some point along the line that strip went AWOL. ou:

Nick

 

Actually, I do beleive that strip IS repro'd now ....can't remember who though, parts place inc??

 

Nick, Here is a thread and picture of the u channel. I still have this one for sale is you want it.

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=105099

Somebody repos them and if I remember correctly its around 80 for the channel and 20 something for the velco. This repo velco piece is not like the original piece but will work.

 

Yeah if anybody can tell me who reproduces those I'd appreciate it.

Duane, can you use that channel piece from a Chevelle convertible? (what years, I'm guessing 68-72) Reason I ask is there is a local guy that always has a TON of Chevelle parts for sale.

I took a picture of the well liner area with the top up. There is NO metal track visible back there, although you can see underneath the well liner right behind the top of the back seat I can feel a metal piece about 1/2" or 3/4" wide that goes the length of the back seat, could that be it? o No:

Will that piece fit a 70?

Nick

 

Nick,
68-72 A-bodies should all be the same. That could be the piece, maybe they covered it up.
Duane

 

Nick
I'd remove the back seat and pull that fabric out of the way, I think someone has just covered over what you're looking for.Then install the strip on top of it.
Gene

 

Saturday morning I'm gonna take it to the shop that installed the top and well liner, they know how they put it in so they can fix it.

Nick

 

Duane, this info is what I am looking for also. Thanks.

 

I found and got that piece from the Parts Place. I ran into a bunch of stupid delays getting the car to the upholstery shop but its going there on Tuesday to have it put in.